Newsletter Programme of UNESCO Celebrity Advocates

Nr. 5 - March 2006 Nelson Mandela joins the ranks of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors

Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO and His Excellency Mr Nelson Mandela, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, during the ceremony on 12 July 2005 at the Nelson Mandela Foundation Debbie Yazbek

in Johannesburg, South Africa ©

Nelson Mandela, living legend and munities; his unfailing commitment to former President of South Africa, democracy, equality and learning; his was designated UNESCO Goodwill support for all the oppressed of the “...in recognition of his outstanding Ambassador by Director-General Earth; and his exemplary contribution leadership in the fight against Koïchiro Matsuura, in a ceremony to international peace and under- apartheid and racial discrimination, held on 12 July 2005 at the Nelson standing.” in his country and worldwide; for his Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg. dedication to reconciliation between Mr Mandela was awarded the title “in “... Mr Nelson Mandela is one of different communities... ” recognition of his outstanding leader- the great moral and political leaders ship in the fight against apartheid and of our time, a fighter against racial racial discrimination, in his country oppression in South Africa, the win- and worldwide; for his dedication to ner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the reconciliation between different com- elected President of his country. He is Newsletter Newsletter

revered everywhere as a vital force in fighter, and “Free Nelson Mandela” the fight for human rights and racial became the rallying cry for anti-apart- equality...” said the Director-General heid campaigners. In 1991, he and HRH Princess Maha Chakri in his address during the ceremony. State President F.W. de Klerk, who ordered his release, were awarded Born on 18 July 1918 in Tembu, a the UNESCO Félix Houphouët-Boigny small village in the Transkei of which Peace Prize. Two years later, they Sirindhorn of Thailand his father was chief, Nelson Rolihlahla shared the Nobel Peace Prize. Mandela was the first member of his family to attend school. His involve- Mr Mandela served as his country’s ment in politics began in his student first democratically elected president designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador days at Fort Hare University. Joining from 1994 to 1999, overseeing South the African National Congress party Africa’s transition from minority rule in 1942, he became a notable oppo- and winning international respect for nent of the white minority govern- promoting reconciliation. Since his ment, was arrested for anti-apart- retirement, he has been active on heid activism in 1962 and remained behalf of a number of social and in prison until 1990. He earned human rights organizations. Debbie Yazbek

Royal Court of Thailand (1) ©

UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Education from Srinakharinwirot Matsuura designated Her Royal Highness University, and has worked on develop- Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Crown ment projects in health and hygiene, Princess of Thailand, a UNESCO Goodwill education, water resource development, Ambassador for the Empowerment of agriculture and cottage industries. Minority Children and the Preservation of their Intangible Cultural Heritage at a A scholar of Pali, Sanskrit, Cambodian ceremony held in Bangkok on 24 March and several other languages, and a gift- (1) HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Crown Princess 2005. Her Royal Highness was desig- ed practitioner of traditional Thai musi- of Thailand and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and Mr

Debbie Yazbek nated in recognition of her “oustanding cal instruments, Her Royal Highness is Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, during © commitment to education and to the currently the Director of the Department the ceremony on 24 March 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand. From left to right: Ms Naledi Pandor , South African Minister of Education, Mrs Basma Irsheid, Chief of Programme of UNESCO Celebrity Advocates, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director- welfare of children in remote areas.” of History at the Chulachomklao Royal General of UNESCO, His Excellency Mr Nelson Mandela, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Ms Ntombazana Botha, South African Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Pallo Jordan, Military Academy. Her Royal Highness South African Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nouréini Tidjani-Serpos, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO Africa Department, and H. E. Ms Nomasonto Maria Sibanda-Thusi, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn holds also runs several philanthropic orga- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of South Africa to France and Permanent Delegate of South Africa to UNESCO, during the ceremony on 12 July 2005 at the Nelson a doctorate degree in Development nizations and foundations promoting Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa

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HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Mr Kantathi Education for All, Education for these projects through their profes- Suphamongkhon, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sustainable Development and sional activities. Thailand, Mr Adisai Bodharamik, Minister of Education UNESCO’s response to natural disasters of Thailand, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of were the three themes on the agenda At the meeting, Abhimanyu Singh, UNESCO, and Mrs Basma Irsheid, Chief of Programme for the Annual Meeting of UNESCO Director of the Division of International of UNESCO Celebrity Advocates, and Mr Richard Goodwill Ambassadors, which took Co-ordination and Monitoring for Engelhardt, UNESCO Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia place on 3 and 4 March 2005 at Education for All, and Teresa Murtagh, and the Pacific, during the ceremony the Organization’s Headquarters. The Information Officer for the Education on 24 March 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand UNESCO Director-General opened the Sector, presented the Education for All session, followed by a speech by His programme, which promotes univer- Excellency Michael Abiola Omolewa, sal access to learning and focuses on then President of the General equity. Mr Singh asked the Goodwill Conference. Ambassadors to lend their support to the programme. Royal Court of Thailand

© The Goodwill Ambassadors presented their work over the past year and dis- Mary Joy Pigozzi, Director of the Quality Thai culture and higher education, HRH Princess Maha Chakri cussed their experiences. During the Education Programme, presented protecting the environment, and sup- Sirindhorn presided over the meeting they committed themselves the objectives of the United Nations porting disabled veterans. The Princess opening of the 4th session of to promote UNESCO’s actions in these Decade of Education for Sustainable Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation, the World Commission on the three fields by means of fund-raising Development (2005-2014), which was established in 1979, supports needy Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and by raising public awareness of launched by Mr Matsuura on 1 March students in schools, vocational col- and Technology (COMEST) held leges and universities. in Bangkok, Thailand, from March 23 to 25, which was joint- The ceremony took place during the ly organized by UNESCO and official visit of the Director-General to the Government of Thailand. 2005 Annual Meeting of UNESCO Thailand. Goodwill Ambassadors

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn addresses the fifth meeting of the High-Level Group on Education for All (EFA)

The fifth meeting of the High-Level Group In his remarks, Mr Matsuura described 2005 Her Royal Highness also delivered a key- on Education for All (EFA), convened by the as «a watershed year» for EFA in terms note address on the theme of “exclusion” Director-General and organized by UNESCO of improved prospects for higher levels at a- symposium on the 60th Anniversary in cooperation with the Government of of international development assistance, of UNESCO with the title “Including the

the People’s Republic of China, was held in arising especially from the G8 meeting in Excluded: Building on UNESCO’s First 60 M. Ravassard © Beijing from 28 to 30 November 2005. The Gleneagles in July. He also noted that, five Years”, which took place on 25 November special theme of the meeting was literacy, years after Dakar, there are some encourag- 2005 at the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn UNESCO Director-General Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, surrounded by the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors at the 2005 Annual with a particular focus on education for ing signs of EFA progress, as revealed by Anthropology Center in Bangkok, and which Meeting, on 3 and 4 March 2005. rural people. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador the EFA Global Monitoring Report 2006, but was organized by the UNESCO Office in Upper row (left to right): Mr Omer Zülfü Livaneli, Mr Kitín Muñoz, Lady Cristina Owen-Jones, HE Sheikh Ghassan I. Shaker, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn deliv- huge challenges remain and there are only Bangkok. Mr Ikuo Hirayama, Mr Cheick Modibo Diarra, Mr Patrick Baudry. ered an inaugural speech. ten years left. Lower row (left to right): Mrs Basma Irsheid, Chief of Programme of UNESCO Celebrity Advocates, Mr Mstislav Rostropovitch, Mr Madanjeet Singh, Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, Mr Zurab Tsereteli, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, HRH Princess Firyal, Mr Jean Michel Jarre, Mrs Kim Phuc Phan Thi, Mrs Milú Villela, Mr Marcio Barbosa, UNESCO Deputy Director-General.

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UNESCO Celebrity Advocates congratulate the Director-General on his re-election

On 21 October 2005, at the closing session of gratulations to Mr Matsuura and acknowledged (1) the 33rd UNESCO General Conference, UNESCO’s the progress and achievements made under his Celebrity Advocates gathered together to wel- leadership. “UNESCO is very lucky to have a (1) (2) come the second term of mandate of Mr Koïchiro Director-General like you with your experience and Matsuura, who has served as UNESCO Director- wisdom, and I think in the four years to come you General since 1999. have all the opportunities to develop all those programmes which are the bedrock of UNESCO’s work During the closing session of the General Conference for our children for future generations. At UNESCO, and the investiture ceremony of the re-elected we are really building bridges between societies. Director-General at UNESCO Headquarters, Jean We assure you we will be behind you and do all we Michel Jarre, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, spoke can to put our energies at your disposal in order to

N. Burke on behalf of the UNESCO Celebrity Advocates on help you in this task.” Mr Jarre concluded by saying: © stage who paid tribute to Mr Matsuura: UNESCO “The sun is the symbol of your country of origin and (1) The Director-General Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Goodwill Ambassadors Marianna Vardinoyannis may the same sun shine throughout your next four receives congratulations from UNESCO Goodwill and Miguel Angel Estrella, and UNESCO Artists for years of work.” Ambassadors Mr Jean Michel Jarre, Mr Miguel Angel Peace Countess Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, Maria (3) (4) Estrella and Mrs Marianna Vardinoyannis, and UNESCO Berenson and Chico Bouchikhi. UNESCO Artist for Peace Chico Bouchikhi and his Artists for Peace Ms Maria Berenson and Countess band celebrated Mr Matsuura’s re-election with 1. (© M. Ravassard) 2005 at UN Headquarters in New York. ing the sustainable development of Setsuko Klossowska de Rola In his speech, Mr Jarre extended his warm con- their cheerful musical performance on stage. Mr Mstislav Rostropovitch and Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, The main objective of this Decade countries as well as the importance of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors is to encourage the governments of disseminating indispensable informa- 2. (© A. Wheeler) Member States to incorporate the tion regarding tsunami risks in order to HRH Princess Firyal and Mr Jean Michel Jarre, UNESCO concept of sustainable development protect the population of endangered Goodwill Ambassadors into their education policies. regions. 3. (© A. Wheeler) HE Sheikh Ghassan I. Shaker, Mr Omer Zülfü Livaneli and Walter Erdelen, Assistant UNESCO On the occasion of the Annual Mr Cheick Modibo Diarra, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors Director-General for the Natural Sciences Meeting, Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva and 4. (© A. Wheeler) and Patricio Bernal, Executive Secretary Mr Mstislav Rostropovitch presented UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors Mr Ikuo Hirayama, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental the traditional Azeri mugham music. Oceanographic Commission (IOC), This was followed by a concert of the join in the celebrations of UNESCO’s 60th Anniversary presented UNESCO’s work for the pre- Azeri pianist and composer Franghiz vention of natural disasters, with a Ali-Zadeh and cellist Ivan Monighetti. On 16 November 2005, UNESCO celebrated Mr Philippe Douste-Blazy, Mr Pape Diop, cert “Mozart, but not only...”, which pre- particular focus on the project recently its 60th anniversary with a special ceremony President of the National Assembly of sented a unique musical interaction between launched by UNESCO for a global tsu- The following ambassadors attend- at its Headquarters in Paris. UNESCO Goodwill Senegal, French anthropologist Mr Claude traditional, classical and contemporary music nami warning system, which is due to ed the meeting: Mehriban Aliyeva, Ambassadors Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, First Levi-Strauss, the current Director-General, Mr and which was organized in collaboration become operational in June 2007. Patrick Baudry, Cheick Modibo Diarra, Lady of Azerbaijan, Ms Claudia Cardinale, Koïchiro Matsuura, as well as the former with the association Melody for Dialogue HRH Princess Firyal, Ivry Gitlis, Ikuo Mrs Ute-Henriette Ohoven, Mrs Marianna UNESCO Director-Generals Mr Federico Mayor Among Civilizations. The performances includ- Jean Michel Jarre and H.R.H. Princess Hirayama, Jean Michel Jarre, Omer Vardinoyannis, Mr Madanjeet Singh and and Mr Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow participated ed UNESCO Artists for Peace Boris Trajanov, Firyal were the moderators of this year’s Zülfü Livaneli, Kitín Muñoz, Lady UNESCO Artist for Peace Ms Marisa Berenson in the ceremony, along with the President of baritone, Ino Mirkovic, violin, and Sergueï annual meeting. On several occasions Owen-Jones, Kim Phuc Phan Thi, paid tribute to UNESCO by participating in the UNESCO’s General Conference, HE Mr Musa Markarov, piano. Painter and UNESCO Artist they encouraged the promotion of Mstislav Rostropovitch, HE Sheikh ceremony. Bin Jaafar Bin Hassan, and the Chairman of the for Peace Titiouan Lamazou designed the programmes that were presented by Ghassan I. Shaker, Madanjeet Singh, Executive Board, Mr Zhang Xinsheng. artworks of the poster for the 60 years of the speakers. They particularly stressed Zurab Tsereteli and Maria de Lourdes The President of Ukraine HE Mr Victor UNESCO’s history. the crucial role of education for achiev- Egydio Villela. Yushchenko, French Foreign Affairs Minister The day of celebrations ended with the con-

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Marcel Khalifé Designation of Boris Trajanov designated UNESCO Artist for Peace as UNESCO Artist for Peace

UNESCO Director-General Mr Koïchiro Matsuura and Mr Marcel Khalifé, UNESCO Artist for Peace, Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura designated Goga Trajanov in Skopje, then with Biserka Cvejic´ in during the ceremony, on 7 June 2005 at UNESCO Macedonian opera singer Boris Trajanov UNESCO Artist Belgrade and Pier Miranda Ferraro in Milan. Since 2001, M.Ravassard

UNESCO Headquarters. Mr Trajanov then gave a recital, gees from Bosnia-Herzegovina in Germany and to help M.Ravassard © Marcel Khalifé, the Lebanese musician and writer, spread abroad. It went on to tour other Arab coun- Peace in “recognition of his fervent and gener- which was followed by a performance of folk dancing by handicapped children and orphans as well as organiza- was named UNESCO Artist for Peace on 7 June tries as well as Africa, Europe, the United States, ous commitment in favour of musical heritage”. the Tanec ensemble. Boris Trajanov received the honour tions in the fi ght against lung cancer. UNESCO Director-General Mr Koïchiro Matsuura and 2005 by the UNESCO Director-General at a cer- Canada, South America, Australia and Japan. The He was also a jury member for the 2003/2004 in recognition of his commitment to “defending human- His recital at UNESCO and the folk dancing that fol- Mr Boris Trajanov, UNESCO Artist for Peace, during emony at UNESCO Headquarters. Born in 1950 in group is regularly invited to perform in internation- Mondialogo School Contest, in which approxi- ist values and promoting dialogue among cultures and lowed were dedicated to the memory of Macedonian the ceremony on 24 February 2005 at UNESCO Amchit, Mount Lebanon, Mr Khalife fi rst studied ally renowned festivals. mately 1,500 participating teams and 25,000 civilizations.” President Boris Trajkovski, who died in a plane crash Headquarters the oud or Arabic lute, then taught it at the Beirut students from 126 countries explored their cul- in 2004. National Conservatory. He began his career as a Mr Khalifé is also a composer of Oriental dance tural diversity together. In this context, the The baritone Boris Trajanov has sung in more than soloist and went on, in 1972, to create a group and fi lm music, inspired by major contempo- Mondialogo initiative seeks to promote inter- 550 opera performances in Europe, America and Africa The Tanechkoto folk dance troupe, celebrating its 55th in his home village to preserve the Arabic musical rary Arab poets. At the vanguard of innovative cultural dialogue, understanding and exchange over the past 17 years and ha s played more than 35 birthday in 2005, performed the Techkoto (“the diffi cult heritage through performances on the oud. Middle-Eastern music, Khalifé’s original music among young people. leading roles, notably in Tosca, Nabucco, Rigoletto, one”) dance, a farandole for sad occasions. The former makes him an ambassador of his culture. He has Macbeth, Aïda, La Traviata, Madame Butterfl y, Lucia di Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has nominated this Mr Khalifé’s “Al Mayadine” ensemble became an also written several books on music. Lammermoor. dance for this year’s Third Proclamation of Masterpieces instant success in Lebanon and its reputation soon Mr Khalifé was designated UNESCO Artist for of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Born in 1959, Mr Trajanov fi rst studied with his father

Prince Twins Soprano Mariana Nicolesco Seven-Seven designated UNESCO Artist for Peace chosen UNESCO Artist for Peace

From left to right: Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, Prince Twins Seven-Seven, UNESCO Artist for Peace, and His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, President of the Romanian soprano Mariana Nicolesco received the Rome. During her time there, she won the Rossini Federal Republic of Nigeria and then Chairman of the African title of UNESCO Artist for Peace from Director- International Competition. Ms Nicolesco has been D. Bijeljac M.Ravassard Union, during the ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters ©

© General Koïchiro Matsuura. The ceremony took place acclaimed in the world’s most renowned opera on 21 November 2005 at UNESCO Headquarters houses and concert halls, notably for works by Prince Twins Seven-Seven, the Nigerian artist, renowned Oshogbo school of painting, which is at bly at France’s National Museum of Modern Art From left to right: Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director- in the presence of the Romanian President His Verdi, Donizetti and Bellini. She is the founder of the was designated UNESCO Artist for Peace by the the heart of Yoruba civilization. His work reflects the at the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris, the General of UNESCO, Mrs Mariana Nicolesco, UNESCO Excellency Mr Traian Basescu. annual International Song Competition in Romania Director-General in a ceremony at the Organization’s cosmology and mythology of Yoruba culture, depict- Houston Contemporary Arts Museum, the Museum Artist for Peace, His Excellency Mr Traian Basescu, Mariana Nicolesco was designated UNESCO Artist for the promotion of young talent, in which young Headquarters on 25 May 2005 in the presence of ing a fantastic universe of human figures, animals, of Modern Art in New York, the National Museum President of Romania, and Mrs Basma Irsheid, Chief of for Peace “in recognition of her commitment to artists from 25 countries participate. His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, President of divinities and plants. His varied style, using different of African Art in Washington, D.C. and the National Programme of UNESCO Celebrity Advocates, during the musical heritage, artistic creation and dialogue the Federal Republic of Nigeria and then Chairman techniques and astonishing materials, is the most Modern Art Gallery in Lagos. ceremony, at UNESCO Headquarters between cultures,” and “her contribution to promot- In addition to the bilateral meeting and the ceremo- of the African Union. The ceremony took place on copied in contemporary Nigerian art. ing the ideals of the Organization.” ny, the Romanian President and the Director-General Africa Day. Prince Twins Seven-Seven was named a UNESCO presented two stamps issued by the Romanian Post A multidimensional artist, Prince Twins Seven-Seven Artist for Peace “in recognition of his contribution Born in Romania, Ms Nicolesco studied in Italy on Ofﬁ ce to commemorate UNESCO’s 60th anniversary. Born in Nigeria in 1944, Prince Twins Seven-Seven’s is also recognized as a singer, musician, actor, to the promotion of dialogue and understanding a scholarship at the Conservatorio Santa Cecilia in career began in the early 1960s. He has since writer and poet. His work has been shown in among peoples, particularly in Africa and the African become the most famous representative of the numerous exhibitions throughout the world, nota- Diaspora.”

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Jean Michel Jarre Mehriban Aliyeva UNESCO Director-General realize the advantages of education. The United States Mehriban Aliyeva welcomes is proud to join 189 other UNESCO members in in concert at the Hans Christian Mr. Koïchiro Matsuura meets inaugurates the exhibition the mission of making education a reality for all the the UNESCO Director-General in Azerbaijan Mrs. Laura Bush during his Andersen commemoration gala world’s people.” on Azerbaijani scientist Yusif visit to Washington, DC On the eve of the conference, Georgetown President From 23 to 26 August 2005, Director-General Baudry, Mr Miguel Angel Estrella, Mr Ivry John DeGioia awarded the Director-General the Mammedaliyev Koïchiro Matsuura paid his second official visit Gitlis, Mr Omer Zülfü Livaneli, Mr Kitin Muñoz, Georgetown University President’s Medal. During UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Jean Michel Jarre to Azerbaijan at the invitation of President Ms Kim Phuc Phan Thi and Mr Madanjeet his trip, the Director-General also met with President performed at the “Once Upon A Time” concert in Ilham Aliyev and the First Lady, Mrs Mehriban Singh - traveled to Baku. Ivry Gitlis and Bush and administration ofﬁ cials, US congressional Copenhagen, Denmark on 2 April 2005. The event Aliyeva, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Miguel Angel Estrella gave concerts, which leaders and private sector representatives interested kicked off celebrations to commemorate the 200th Oral and Musical Traditions. delighted the audience. in partnerships with UNESCO. On 13 September 2005, Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, UNESCO anniversary of the birthday of Danish fairy tale writer Goodwill Ambassador for Oral and Musical Traditions Hans Christian Andersen. During his stay in Azerbaijan, the Director- Mr Matsuura also visited the Heydar Aliyev Following the opening of the conference, Mrs. Bush inaugurated an exhibition at UNESCO Headquarters on General participated with President Aliyev Foundation, which is under the First Lady’s hosted a coffee at the White House in honour of the the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the eminent M. Ravassard

Mr Jarre started the show with his musical and visual and Mrs Aliyeva in the ceremony of laying chairmanship, as well as the Walled City of © Director-General. Among the topics discussed were the Azerbaijani scientist Yusif Mammedaliyev. interpretation of Andersen’s tale The Shadow, a 10- the foundation stone for a Mugham Centre. Baku, inscribed on the World Heritage List, U.S. First Lady Mrs Laura Bush, UNESCO Honorary Education for All initiative, UNESCO’s work on regional metre shadow projected onto a Chinese translation of In his speech, the Director-General paid trib- and, in company of the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Literacy and global tsunami warning systems, and UNESCO’s The ceremony was followed a concert and dance show, the tale, accompanied by a vivid laser show. ute to the efforts of Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, Ambassadors, the site of Gobustan, which is a Decade, and Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, UNESCO new programme for the preservation of artifacts and “Melodies and rhythms of Azerbaijan”, which presented UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Oral and historical province of Azerbaijan and a great Director-General, at UNESCO Headquarters museum development, which was launched with traditional, classical and contemporary performances. The spectacular two-hour programme celebrated Musical Traditions, in promoting the tradi- centre of rock art. support from the United States. On this occasion, Andersen’s most famous tales and the story of his life, tional classical music of Azerbaijan at the From 27 February to 1 March 2005, the Director- President Bush also greeted the Director-General. In her speech, Mrs Aliyeva stressed the importance of featuring music, fi lm, acrobatics, ballet, tap dance and international level. During this visit, the President of Azerbaijan H. General met with United States government offi cials On 28 April 2005, Mrs. Laura Bush paid tribute to the close cooperation between UNESCO and Azerbaijan, children’s choirs. E. Mr Ilham Aliyev awarded Mr Matsuura the and non-governmental partners during his visit to a national commemoration of “Education For All and thanked particularly UNESCO Director-General Mr The Director-General’s visit coincided with the highest distinction of the country, the Order Washington, DC, to open a Georgetown University Week”, the annual celebration of UNESCO’s initiative Matsuura for his contribution of extending this relation. On the occasion of his performance Mr Jarre said, 10th anniversary celebrations of the Friends of Glory, in recognition of Mr Matsuura’s conference on UNESCO and Education for All. to make quality education and literacy universal. The “As we celebrate Hans Christian Andersen, we cel- of Azerbaijani Culture Foundation chaired contribution to the promotion of cultural celebration is a joint effort of the U.S. Departments of Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, Mrs Takako Matsuura, Mr ebrate more than an author. We celebrate education, by Mrs Aliyeva, for which occasion several heritage and his support for the reform of the The conference was attended by U.S. First Lady State and Education. Walter Erdelen, Assistant Director-General for Science, through simple universal messages, through simple UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors – Mr Patrick education system of Azerbaijan. Mrs. Laura Bush, who serves as UNESCO Honorary Her Excellency Mrs Eleonora Husseinova, Permanent words, accessible to all, in any language. As a long Ambassador for the United Nations Literacy Decade, During her January 2006 visit to Western Africa, Mrs. Delegate of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, Mrs Basma standing ambassador of UNESCO, I see Hans Christian the US Secretary of Education Mrs. Margaret Spellings, Bush also visited the National Center for Women’s Irsheid, Chief of Programme of UNESCO Celebrity Andersen’s work as a positive, timeless weapon to the U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO, Ms. Louise Oliver Development in Abuja, Nigeria. Addressing the women Advocates, and other distinguished guests were present combat illiteracy and promote a dignifi ed action... and Assistant Director-General for Education, Dr. Peter in the center, she said “The United States shares the at this event. education for all...education for everyone. The world Smith. goal of UNESCO to advance education for all. It should has too many shadows that deserve to meet, one day, In her opening address, Mrs. Bush noted, “UNESCO be our expectation that every child – boy and girl, rich Yusif Mammedaliyev is known worldwide for his numer- an educated master...so let’s help them.” members and partners are helping millions of children and poor – has access to education.” ous works in the fi eld of chemistry.

HRH Princess Firyal meets with the Assistant Director-General of the Education Sector

Her Royal Highness Princess Firyal, UNESCO Goodwill discussed new ways of promoting Education For All and Ambassador, met with Mr Peter Smith, Assistant Director- scheduled further follow-up meetings for the implementa- General of UNESCO’s Education Sector, for a work meeting tion of Her Royal Highness’s promotion campaigns. on UNESCO’s Education For All initiative and Princess Firyal’s activities for this core programme of UNESCO. The meeting In September 2004 the Director-General of UNESCO took place on 6 July 2005 at UNESCO Headquarters. conferred on Princess Firyal the mission to promote the

Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Oral and Musical Traditions, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Her Royal Highness Princess Firyal, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and Mr Peter Smith, Assistant Director-General for M. Ravassard

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Inauguration of the HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned gives ‘Education for All’ her support to the protection of the Mandaic language As UNESCO’s Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education, the UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger of exhibition - HRH Princess Firyal Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Disappearing. More than 6,000 languages are at risk of dis- Consort of His Highness the Emir of Qatar, addressed appearing in the near future, and the loss of any language donates US$ 100,000 UNESCO’s Director General in May 2005 to express concern will be irreplaceable for the human heritage. to the Education for All initiative about one of the world’s oldest languages - Mandaic. Her Highness’s interest in the subject stems from her educa- Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, Mr Peter Smith, Her Highness urged UNESCO to adopt quick measures to tional, cultural and human role in disseminating education Assistant Director-General for Education, Mrs Margaret Spellings, U.S. Secretary of preserve the ancient language, which is currently used by a as Mr Matsuura afﬁ rmed at her designation as Special Education and HRH Prince Talal Bin Mohammed of Jordan, during the inauguration Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser very small number of residents in Iraq and Iran. Mandaic is a Envoy for Basic and Higher Education on 13 January 2003: A. Wheeler

© of the exhibition on 5 October 2005 at UNESCO Headquarters Al Missned Semitic language and a dialect of Eastern Aramaic. “Your Highness has initiated pioneering projects embedded in the philosophy that people are the most valuable asset In the presence of His Royal Highness eradicating poverty and especially extreme Egypt, Haiti, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, In response to Her Highness’s initiative, Director-General Mr of a nation and that knowledge in all its forms should be Prince Talal Bin Mohammed of Jordan and poverty, is the emancipation of women. It Pakistan, Senegal and Yemen”, he said. HH Sheikha Mozah Koïchiro Matsuura replied that the Mandaic will be listed in placed at the service of society.” Ms Margaret Spellings, US Secretary of goes against all common sense, all common Education, the Education for All exhibition at interest, and all common humanity, to deny In her remarks, Secretary Spellings said that announced the creation the 33rd session of the General Conference education to fully half of the members of literacy must be at the heart of our work to of the Fund for Asia to was opened by the Director-General of every society on the planet as women are.” advance education worldwide. “This is an support the six goals of UNESCO on 5 October 2005. On this occa- important step in helping some of the world’s Her Excellency Mrs Vigdís Finnbogadóttir serves for sion, he also launched the Literacy Initiative The Director-General said that “the Education most challenged countries address this issue,” Education for All for Empowerment (LIFE). for All exhibition is designed to provide you she said. “When you teach people to read, the second time as a jury member for the Mondialogo School with an informal and informative environment you help give them control over their lives and On 20 October 2005, UNESCO Special Envoy Contest 2005/2006 and participates in a panel debate on Welcoming the participants, Mr Matsuura during the General Conference, enabling a voice in their nation’s future.” for Basic and Higher Education, Her Highness said that HRH Princess Firyal, the UNESCO you to discover the activities undertaken by The Director-General also reminded the audi- Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Education for Sustainable Development Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All, UNESCO’s Member States, its Programme ence of the purpose of the United Nations announced in a letter to the Director-General had been prevented from attending the Sectors and its partner organizations as they Literacy Decade, for which UNESCO is the of UNESCO, the launching of the Fund for Asia, Her Excellency Mrs Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former President protect, promote and share; the more we do in this area event but, through her son, Prince Talal Bin work together to achieve EFA”. lead agency and international coordinator. which will be established to promote global of Iceland and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the pro- the more we gain. ESD is essentially about sharing, which Mohammed, she wished to re-affirm her Mr Matsuura recalled that the Decade has responsibility for quality basic education for tection of minority languages, participated in a round table people can learn in different ways: through acquiring basic strong and unwavering support for Education On this occasion the Director-General also received the strong support of Mrs Laura children, youth and adults in Asia and the discussion on the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable education and life skills, understanding the need for sus- for All. Prince Talal spoke of Jordan’s suc- launched UNESCO’s new Literacy Initiative Bush, First Lady of the United States, who Middle East. Development, which was organized by the Swedish and tainability; acquiring basic literacy or, as some do, acquiring cesses in expanding women’s education, for Empowerment – LIFE. This initiative is serves as UNESCO Honorary Ambassador for The purpose of the fund that will be created German National Commissions for UNESCO in coopera- ethical literacy. While local oral wisdom is extremely impor- and announced a personal contribution of the main substantive thrust of UNESCO’s the Decade. Mrs Bush renewed her support through the Qatar Foundation for Education, tion with the Education Sector on 6 October 2005 on the tant for sustainable development, literacy is necessary to US$ 100,000 by HRH Princess Firyal in sup- strategic action for literacy at the country through a message that Secretary Spellings Science and Community Development, will be occasion of the 33rd General Conference of UNESCO. assume that one can bring local wisdom to play within the port of Education for All. In her message level within the overall context of the United conveyed on this occasion, in which she to help the continent and the region reach the global community. HRH Princess Firyal said: “For, where as in Nations Literacy Decade, for which UNESCO encouraged “each and every nation to join in education targets as identified in the Education The discussion focused on “Promoting sustainability the West there is a saying that ‘knowledge is the lead agency and international coordi- UNESCO’s important goal to make literacy the for All initiative. The fund will have a lifespan of through education: Objectives, strategies, and UNESCO’s Furthermore, Her Excellency serves for the second time is power’, in my own culture we say ‘knowl- nator. “Through LIFE, UNESCO is launching birthright of every person (...) Governments ten years, 2005-2015, and will focus on various mission in the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable as a jury member for the Mondialogo School Contest edge is light’. My personal commitment to its own programmatic action within a global must make education their first priority.” strategies as outlined in the Dakar Framework Development”. The Panel discussion brought togeth- 2005/2006, in which approximately 2,600 teams and Education is reflected by the policies long strategic framework aimed at reaching the for Action to meet the Education for All goals. er over 200 participants: representatives of Member 35,000 students from 138 countries will participate. The adopted in my homeland, Jordan, where we large number of people without literacy skills Mr Matsuura highlighted that the Decade, Three of these goals have a deadline of 2015. States, National Commissions for UNESCO, NGOs and contest is part of the Mondialogo initiative, which seeks have achieved an adult literacy rate of nearly and related capabilities, particularly women which will conclude in 2012, “is a major The fund will concentrate on meeting those the Secretariat. to promote intercultural dialogue, understanding and 90%. I am also proud to say that half of all and out-of-school girls in rural areas. LIFE aspect of the EFA drive and is important not deadlines as well as working on the other exchange among young people from all over the world high school students and university under- will address 34 countries with the high- only for education but also for the whole three goals in order to reach them by the Her Excellency Mrs Finnbogadóttir argued that knowledge and which gives them the opportunity to explore their graduates in Jordan are female. Thus, my est absolute number of illiterate adults or development process and, therefore, the same time. is a supremely renewable resource, which we need to cultural diversity together. first-hand experiences with these farsighted where 50 per cent or more of the population Millennium Development Goals as a whole. A series of events already took place in Qatar policies have taught me two valuable lessons: is illiterate. Through the Decade, UNESCO is working in order to collect funds for this initiative, for First, education is the great equalizer. It has hard in several areas – advocacy for literacy; instance the charity gala “Reach out to Asia”, the ability to level any playing field between LIFE will be a country-led process and will the mobilization of resources; the coordina- held on 16 November 2005 in Doha, Qatar. individual human beings, different societies, operate in phases starting with 10 countries in tion of action at international and regional economies, nations and cultures. Education January 2006. I am pleased to announce that levels; the sharing of information and good The Director-General of UNESCO will serve on is the bedrock of all civilization. Second, the the following 10 countries have been invited practices; the promotion of partnerships; and the board of this fund. surest, most effective and fastest means of to participate in this first phase – Bangladesh, overall monitoring and reporting.”

12 13 Newsletter Newsletter

Contributions in 2005 to UNESCO projects by AGFUND, HRH the Princess of Hanover presided by HRH Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz, UNESCO Special Envoy for Water Sculptor Gérard Voisin contributes for the second year chosen UNESCO Artist The Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Development targeting the neediest groups in developing countries in tributions to the total amount of more than US$ 24 million. to a UNESCO project in Burkina Faso for Peace Organizations (AGFUND) is a regional development institu- cooperation with UNESCO and other organizations and In 2005 AGFUND donated US$ 465,000 in order to tion, established in 1980 upon the initiative of His Royal institutions active in this fi eld. co-fi nance the following three UNESCO projects: Early to strengthen women’s capacities Highness Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, President of To date, AGFUND’s continuous fi nancial support has Childhood Development in Yemen; Improving Quality French sculptor and poet Gérard Voisin AGFUND, and UNESCO Special Envoy for Water. enabled UNESCO to plan and implement 71 projects, the Teaching and Learning in Primary Schools through received the title of UNESCO Artist for Since the creation of AGFUND, UNESCO has constantly majority in the fi eld of education, with a special focus on Diagnostic Teaching Methodologies in Tanzania; and Her Royal Highness the Princess of Hanover, UNESCO The project highlights the necessity of education and Peace from Director-General Koïchiro been one of its main partners and UNESCO projects have education for women and girls, early childhood care and Building National Capacity in Early Childhood Care and Goodwill Ambassador, has made, in her second year of sup- empowerment of women to escape the vicious cycle of pov- Matsuura on 7 July 2005 during a cer- been a major benefi ciary of AGFUND’s funding activities. education, literacy, life skills training and teacher training. Education in Syria through the Set up of National ECCE port, an additional contribution of u 70,000 to the UNESCO erty through acceding to autonomy. It has also benefi ted emony at UNESCO Headquarters. The AGFUND supports sustainable human development efforts, Eighty-fi ve countries have benefi ted from AGFUND’s con- Resource and Training Centre. project Strengthening Women’s Capacities to Promote from an active partnership, combining technical services for inauguration of a retrospective exhibi- Education for Children in Rural Areas in Burkina Faso. early childhood care, health care and education. tion of his work, held at UNESCO from July 7 to August 19, followed the cere- The objective of the project is to contribute to realizing the Thanks to the continued funding and support of the mony. Mr Voisin was being honoured “in goals of Education for All by assuring at the same time Principality of Monaco and Her Royal Highness the Princess recognition of his artistic career, which the enrolment of all children of the village of Ladiga and of Hanover over the last two years, the project has raised reflects cultural diversity, dialogue and Just Published: the highest possible autonomy of the women in the vil- much hope in the community of Ladiga. In the fi rst year tolerance between people, in memory of The UNESCO-AGFUND Cooperation – A joint force lage. About 450 people, particularly women and children, of implementation the project could already become an the fight against slavery.” benefi t directly from the project.Ladiga is situated in one established part of community life, while awareness-raising serving human development of the most impoverished and under-developed provinces actions will help the village members adopt successfully the of Burkina Faso. project activities. The Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations This publication gives a summary of the history Development Organizations, AGFUND, has and the broad range of the UNESCO-AGFUND worked together with UNESCO since its estab- cooperation as well as a comprehensive pre- lishment in 1980. Over the last 25 years of their sentation of all the projects in the various cooperation, the continuous financial contribu- fields of education, science and communica- tions by AGFUND have been crucial for the real- tion and information. The UNESCO-AGFUND His Excellency Valdas Adamkus ization of projects and they became a steady Cooperation – A joint force serving human

gives a speech at the World Conference on M.Ravassard

and solid pillar in planning and implementing development is available on the UNESCO © UNESCO’s activities throughout the world. Publications website. Information and Communication Technologies UNESCO Director-General Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, H.E. Mr Jean Guéguinou, Ambassador of for Capacity-Building France and Permanent Delegate of France to UNESCO, H.E. Mr Wilfried Emvula, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the On 11 May 2005, the Director-General of UNESCO, Mr HE Valdas Adamkus concluded his speech about the Republic of Namibia to France, Permanent Koïchiro Matsuura, opened the “World Conference on information society, civil society and technology by Delegate to UNESCO and President of the HRH the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for saying: “It is clear, however, that the technological UNESCO African Group, Mr Gérard Voisin, Capacity-Building: Critical Success Factors” at UNESCO revolution alone will not lead us to a harmonious UNESCO Artist for Peace, and Mr Jean-Marc donates to a UNESCO project to empower girls and participates in the Headquarters in the presence of His Excellency Mr Valdas global knowledge society. We need participation, we Ayrault, Deputy Mayor of Nantes, during the Adamkus, President of the Republic of Lithuania and need genuine international solidarity and we need ceremony, at UNESCO Headquarters. regional meeting of the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Construction investment in human skills. But above all, we need of Knowledge Societies, Mr Janis Karklins, President of responsible political decisions, which should ensure As Honorary President of the “Fondation du Grand-Duc ence education, vocational training with access to ICTs, America/Europe region, which took place in Luxembourg the Preparatory Committee of the World Summit on the conditions for putting technological achievements at Henri et de la Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa”, Her as well as micro-fi nance. The donation follows Her Royal from 10 to 14 May 2005. The meeting was held Information Society, and Mr Raoul Weiler, President of the the service of every man.” Royal Highness the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Highness’s visits to three project centres in the region of under the title “ Education for Peace and Sustainable Brussels/European Union Chapter of the Club of Rome. Luxembourg donated u 70,000 to a UNESCO educa- Madhupur in November 2003, where she talked to and Development: The role of the UNESCO Associated Mr Matsuura thanked the President for his con- tion project benefi ting about 4,500 adolescent girls in encouraged girls benefi ting from the project. Schools.” The meeting aimed at redefi ning the future The Conference is one of UNESCO’s thematic meetings tinued engagement with the Organization as Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Pakistan. The multi-dis- orientation of the ASPnet in the region. In her capacity held in the framework of the World Summit on the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Construction ciplinary project, Breaking the Poverty Cycle of Women: Furthermore, Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Her Royal Highness Information Society and is jointly organized with the Club of Knowledge Societies. President Adamkus then Empowering Adolescent Girls to Become Agents of Maria Teresa of Luxembourg attended the meeting assisted in the presentation of the projects of the of Rome. The event focused on the potential of ICTs to extended an invitation to the Director-General to visit Social Transformation, offers a broad-based capacity- of national coordinators of the UNESCO Associated Associated Schools in Luxembourg, in the presence of train and educate communities that have limited or no Lithuania. building programme composed of literacy, life skills, sci- Schools Project Network (ASPnet) of the Northern pupils and teachers. access to formal education channels.

14 15 Newsletter

News in brief  In the framework of events of World AIDS Day of Education for Children in Need, more than 30 2005 in the city of São Paulo for nearly 100 key 2005, on 1 December, two events took place at million US dollars have been collected for the policy-makers, businessmen, and other important UNESCO Headquarters which were organized with benefit of 292 projects in 85 countries giving Brazilian personalities in honour of the UNESCO the support of Lady Owen-Jones, UNESCO Goodwill concrete and direct help for destitute children. Representative in Brazil. Ambassador, who was also present on these occa- Every year, more than 50 projects are identified sions: the presentation of the project Artists for Life and supported financially. In 2005, three major  Her Royal Highness Princess Firyal visited the (Designing Hope/UNESCO), and a round table on HIV/ projects in Batticaloa, Ahungalla and Kalmunai in two Albanian UNESCO World Heritage sites of AIDS prevention programmes in the private sector. Sri Lanka were funded to help the many victims Butrint and Gjirokastra on 24 August 2005. Subsequently, UNESCO signed a partnership agree- who have suffered from the tsunami in South ment with the Global Business Coalition, which aims East Asia: a village for more than 50 homeless  UNESCO Artist for Peace Bibi Russell spoke at reinforcing the mobilisation against HIV/AIDS. The families and a centre for the fishermen and at the 2005 World Cultural Forum at the Dead Artists for Life project was conceived by Designing their familes were constructed. Furthermore, an Sea in Jordan, about her role and mission as Hope and brings together 30 contemporary artists orphanage, a professional skills learning centre UNESCO Artist for Peace, and about cultural from different backgrounds. Its purpose is to provide for girls in need and a children’s hospital were diversity in relation to her endeavor of Fashion for assistance to the Designing Hope Africa association, rebuilt and equipped. Development, in which Bibi Russell is committed run by HIV-positive women working to improve to safeguarding and developing the tradition of access to information and treatment in South Africa.  The Director General of UNESCO welcomed the Bangladeshi weavers and other crafts as well Furthermore, Lady Owen-Jones supported the estab- UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Lily Marinho on as pioneering micro-credit projects. lishment of a partnership agreement, signed in May 14 June 2005 at UNESCO Headquarters during 2005 between UNESCO and L’Oréal, on the project her visit to France. Mrs Marinho is very eager  On 9 May 2005, the Director-General of “Hairdressers of the World fighting HIV/AIDS”, which to reinforce her commitment to UNESCO in UNESCO, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, alongside some trains hairdressers in HIV/AIDS prevention. the future. She is especially interested in pro- 50 Heads of State and Government, UN Secretary- moting UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage General Kofi Annan, and UNESCO Goodwill  UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs Marianna programme and in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Ambassadors Zurab Tsereteli and Ara Abramian, Vardinoyannis co-sponsored the conference, “Athens Furthermore, Mrs Marinho is Honorary President participated in Moscow in the 60th anniversary Round Table of Business Community against of the Friends of the 2005 Year of Brazil in France. celebrations of the Allies’ victory over the Nazi Trafficking of Human Beings”, which was organized In this role she was the patron of a French- regime. On this occasion, Mr Matsuura attended, by The Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Brazilian charity gala, which took place on 13 together with Presidents Putin and Chirac, an Peace Movement and the Global Coalition Women June at the Palace of Versailles. inauguration ceremony of the monument to Defending Peace, on 23 January 2006 in Athens, General Charles de Gaulle designed by Zurab Greece. In cooperation with several UN organizations,  Mrs Milú Villela, UNESCO Goodwill Tsereteli, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. the private sector and leading NGOs in this field, the Ambassador for Voluntary Action and Basic Round Table aimed at developing a set of ethical Education in Latin America, visited UNESCO  In his capacity of UNESCO Goodwill principles to fight human trafficking, especially of Headquarters on 15 July 2005. During her visit Ambassador and President of the Pathfinder women and children. On this occasion, the Director- Mrs Villela met with the Director-General of Foundation, and in close cooperation with General of UNESCO, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, wrote a UNESCO, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, and the Deputy the Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations message encouraging the subsequent “End Human Director-General, Mr Marcio Barbosa, to discuss Development Organizations (AGFUND), Cheick Trafficking” campaign. Mrs Villela’s mission for the Organization’s edu- Modibo Diarra succesfully finalized the Scientific cation programmes. Mrs Villela pledged herself and Technology Formation Centre in Africa/Mali  During the thirteen years over which UNESCO to promote voluntary action and basic education project, which aims to transfer knowledge in Goodwill Ambassador Mrs Ute-Henriette Ohoven in Portuguese speaking countries. Furthermore, order to equip a nucleus of talents with the skills has been committed to the UNESCO Programme Mrs Villela hosted a dinner on 28 September to invent solutions appropriate to Africa.

The Newsletter of the Programme of UNESCO Celebrity Advocates

Chief of Programme Acknowledgements UNESCO Basma Irsheid Colin Kaiser 7, place de Fontenoy Annie Coueffé 75352 Paris SP 07 Aurélia Mazoyer Tel: +33 (0) 1 45 68 14 67 Editorial Staff Barbara Stickler Fax: +33 (0) 1 45 68 55 64 Eric Dienes Hélène Pierre E-mail: [email protected] Fuad Pashayev Jean-Paul Kersuzan Web site: http://www.unesco.org/goodwill